Alabama boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling,
registration, loan perfection, title search, and operational requirements for the
State of Alabama. Additional boat registration and titling
resources can be found by visiting our State page as shown in the above
menu selections. Boat registration services, supplemental forms, and
historical research data are also available from our Services, Forms, and
Database pages.

The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
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terms of use before proceeding.

Alabama Department of Natural Resources

Boat Registration Statistics

There are
approximately 265,626 boats registered in the State
of Alabama. This accounts for 2.2% of all nationwide
registrations.

Boat
Registration Numbering

The boat registration number prefix for the State of Alabama is
"AL".

Boat
Registration Agency

Alabama Department of Natural Resources.

Boat
Registration Requirements

Alabama registers all mechanically propelled vessels,
sailboats, and boat for hire. Exceptions are : (1) A vessel
operating under valid temporary certificate of number. (2) A
vessel already covered by a number in full force and effect
which has been awarded to it pursuant to federal law or a
federally applied numbering system of another state, provided,
that such vessel shall not have been within this state for a
period in excess of 90 consecutive days. (3) A vessel under
registry from a country other than the U.S. temporarily using
the waters of this state. (4) A vessel owned by the U. S., or a
state, county or municipality. (5) A ship's lifeboat. (6) A
vessel not propelled by machinery, except sailboats and boats
for hire (rental).
Vessels documented with the U. S. Coast Guard as commercial
are not required to be registered with the state. Vessels
documented as pleasure are required to register, however, they
do not have to display the Alabama registration number on the
bow. The current year decal should be placed in a conspicuous
location on the vessel and the certificate shall be on board
when in operation.

Boat
Title Requirements

Alabama is a registration only state and does not issue boat
titles.

Conditional Boat Registrations

Alabama does not have provisions for conditional boat registrations where sufficient proof of
ownership is not otherwise available. Under these circumstances,
ownership will need to be established through an award from a
court of proper jurisdiction.

Abandoned Boats

Alabama does not have special provisions for registering
abandoned boats. However, the state does have procedures for the
disposal of derelict or abandoned boats.

Boat
Registration Records

Boat
registration records are maintained indefinitely in Alabama
by the Marine Police Division. This agency does not facilitate
online searches for the general public. However, record
printouts are available by telephone or upon written request.

Boat
Tax Requirements

Sales or use tax applies to boat sales and transfers in Alabama.

Boat
Loan Perfection

Security
interests on non-documented boats in Alabama are perfected with
a UCC recording. If the vessel is Coast Guard documented, a
preferred vessel mortgage must be recorded with the National
Vessel Documentation Center.

Boat Lien Recordings

In order to
conduct a lien search on non-documented boats registered in Alabama
it will be necessary to conduct a UCC lien search with the
Secretary of State. If the boat is Coast Guard documented,
you will need to obtain an abstract of title from the vessel
documentation office.

Possessory Boat Liens

Alabama has
provisions for non-judicial enforcement of boat repair and
storage liens where the lien-holder maintains possession of the
boat. However, such procedures must be implemented in strict
accordance with the law and should be handled by an attorney. If
the boat is Coast Guard documented, federal jurisdiction may
take precedent.

Boat Ownership Methods

Joint
ownership terms are not defined on boat recordings in Alabama.
Multiple owners are simply shown as co-owners.

Boat
Residency Requirements

Non-residents
may apply for a registration if Alabama is the principal place
of operation.

Boat Reporting Requirements

Ownership transfers,
abandonment, theft, or destruction of an Alabama registered boat
must be reported to the Marine Police Division within 15 days.

Boat Hull Number Requirements

All vessels manufactured
after 1972 are required to have a 12 digit hull
identification number affixed to the vessel by the manufacturer.
Owners with vessels manufactured prior to 1972 may apply with
the Marine Police Division for a hull number assignment.
The boat must
be inspected by an Alabama law enforcement official if there is
a discrepancy with the hull identification number.

Outboard Boat Motors

Titling and
registration are not required in Alabama for outboard boat motors. However they
can be optionally listed on a boat registration application.

Boat Trailers

Titling and
registration are not required for boat trailers in Alabama.